TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: WINNING WAYS - THE MAKING OF A CHAMPIONSHIP HEART

INSPIRATIONAL BOOK BY TAMPA LAWYER STEVE YERRID TO BE RELEASED JUNE 7; FEATURES MEMORABLE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM LIGHTNING'S STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF RUN BY SCOTT AUDETTE

While the Tampa Bay Lightning pursued their first Stanley Cup championship in late May and early June of 2004, a recurring theme was heard at press conferences in Tampa and Calgary - it takes heart. Repeated by players, coaches and management, it became clear that heart was a key factor in the epic seven-game series.

In TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Winning Ways - The Making of a Championship Heart, prominent Tampa lawyer and philanthropist Steve Yerrid captures the heart and emotions of the Lightning's historic title journey through a collection of inspirational quotes culled from Lightning players, coaches and management. Teamed with the behind-the-scenes photography of Lightning team photographer Scott Audette, the emotions and memories Yerrid pulled from hours of interviews will bring every Lightning fan inside the team's locker room and inside the hearts of the people who brought the Stanley Cup to Tampa Bay.

"As the Lightning were battling their way through the Stanley Cup playoffs, I could see the makings of greatness and an unforgettable team with the heart of a champion," Yerrid said. "I knew we could turn that greatness, that heart, into something inspirational and I am confident we did that with this book. The players, coaches and staff provided the inspiration in their actions; we just chronicled it in words and images. I believe we created a fascinating book for anyone who believes in dreams and lives with hope."

"On behalf of the Lightning, I would like to thank Steve Yerrid and the Yerrid Foundation for their support of the Lightning and our efforts in the Tampa Bay community," said Lightning and St. Pete Times Forum President Ron Campbell. "This wonderful book gives us another avenue for making a difference while also offering our fans a great remembrance of not only the Stanley Cup win, but also the entire journey and development of our team. Scott Audette's images really help bring the book to life, giving fans that 'behind the scenes' look and feel we so rarely see in sports publications."

Published by Yorkville Press of New York, TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Winning Ways - The Making of a Championship Heart is a 68-page hardcover keepsake that is a must-have for every Lightning fan. Proceeds from the sale of the book ($19.95 per copy) will benefit The Lightning Foundation and the Yerrid Foundation.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Winning Ways - The Making of a Championship Heart will be available beginning June 8 on www.tampabaylightning.com or by calling the Lightning Foundation at 813.301.6590.